How can you ship or courier frameless glass frames and not have any clip frames breaking?

How? Simply put, because we  have learned know how to pack them!  When we first began shipping clip frames, we experienced high breakages claim rates which, however,  gradually decreased as our packing knowledge increased with time.  In addition,  we also learned that the the largest size glass clip frame we can safely ship is (A3 or 29.7 x 42 cm) after which, for the larger sizes,  we changed to plastic glass glazing.  Nevertheless, and in essence, we pack all glass clip frames with three layers of protective materials which reduces our to damages claim rate to about .01% .  In the quite rare occasions that the glazing in the clip frames, photo frames, certificate frames or clip frames does break, we either refund the cost of the broken items or ship replacements with a next order.

How to Pack And Ship Picture Frames

We also find that customers, when shipping themselves,  often ask do us for advice on how to pack glass picture frames or photo  frames for shipping.

In light of our experience, we feel confident in offering some tips and advice which we hope will be of help to you.  To begin with, we can safely presume that in most, if not all, cases, the picture frames to be shipped will probably be glass glazed, rather than plastic glazed.

If so, it will be prudent  to tape "X" with two masking or packing tape sections across the face of the glass. In that case, should the glass break or crack, at least the shards may hold together and not gouge or damage the photo or print.

The next important step is wrap the front and back of each frame with good-quality, 2cm bubbles, plastic wrap.  If using the smaller, cheaper, department-store,  type bubble wrap we recommend making  double layers.

Additionally, and if you can, pack your photo frame or picture frame in a box bigger than the frame itself.  Then wrap the frame well, as if you were gift-wrapping it several times, not just once, with 20mm or at least 10 mm size bubble wrap.

Bubble wrap is excellent, but old newspaper are a cheaper alternative. With that done, get the shipping box and make a "bed" for the gift-wrapped frame with old newspapers to cushion any shocks, and put the gift-wrapped frame in it. Make sure the frame won't rattle, shake or feel loose inside the box.

Do not simply interlock the box flaps together but securely tape the box three times cross-wise along all its joints, top and bottom with "FRAGILE" packing tape. Cling-wrap the picture frame package with industrial, or even household cling wrap is also advisable.

Cling-wrap is soft and pliable and yet strong and tough. Also, it doesn't stain whatever it's wrapped, unlike packaging tape. For extra protection go to a storage place and ask for corner protectors or edge guards.

These are often made of foam or sturdy cardboard and are placed at each corner of the shipping box. Mark or write down the box contents so that you'll remember what you packed in it. If the contents you've just packed are valuable, contact your insurance broker for an accidental damage or loss cover.

When shipping, keep the box on its side, not flat, so that other boxes or stuff won't get stacked on top of the fragile picture frame.

Yet another precaution we take with the larger, heavier or bulkier parcels is to fit cardboard corner protectors  to all eight corners of box or carton.

While this just by itself does not  guarantee incolumity, when combined together with all the other precautions detailed in this post,  this lowers the probability of transit damage or breakage to nearly zero percent.

How To Apply Finishing Dispatch Touches

When finishing off the parcel just prior to dispatch, don't be shy in marking or texta-ing  all over the  parcel warnings such as "Top Load Only" .  "Fragile Glass" and " Please Do Not Drop".   While these exhortations seem unnecessary as self-evident, and contrary to popular belief,  we find  that most  Courier drivers do read and heed the stencilled warnings.

The reason delivery drivers tend to heed parcel warnings is because in many cases, when Customers claim with the Courier Company,  and if the Company assesses the claim as  a transit  damage, the cost or value of the claim is usually debited to the responsible driver's account. In other words, drivers end up paying for Customers' damaged or lost parcels.

How To Properly Evaluate Packing Costs

Lastly, while all these precautions might seem unnecessary or even over-the-top,  we assure the readers that indeed, these are not.  We have shipped thousands and thousands of parcels in each and every state all over  Australia and honestly state assure that these make good business sense!

A simple costing exercise  will explain why this is so.  Not all Customers are aware that Merchant are obliged to refund all purchase costs when parcels are damaged or lost.

Taking and admittedly extreme instance, we can see for  the below screen that the shipping cost for an AFL Football Display Case   to go to Darwin is quite expensive, even greater that the product cost itself.

Considering therefore the total cost of the purchase is $176.63, it makes perfect sense to make sure that the parcel be packaged as carefully as possible so as to avoid transit damage and ensuing claims.

What To Do and Not To do with Shipping Parcels

 

	List of Do's		List of Don'ts
✓	Do wrap your delicate items, such as picture frames, in foam sheeting, very soft cardboard or even better, bubble wrap.	❌	Don't skimp on the protective wrappings. It really is false economy as a breakage or damage always  cost more than a few cents' worth of wrapping
✓	If packing photo frames or picture frames, do pack them face-to-face.  Thus, the glass will be on the inside of parcel and the hard backings on the outside. This offers better transit protection.	❌	Don't under-declare the weight and volume to of a parcel to obtain a cheaper shipping cost.  Courier Companies now more easily spot this and may delay a delivery until the additional fees or charges are paid.
✓	Do write multiple shipping warning on your parcels. Most Courier drivers will read and observe them.	❌	Don't request phone calls or text messages prior to a Courier's arrival. None of the Courier Companies we know of permit their drivers to do this. Their hectic and busy delivery schedules simply does not allow for delivery appointments.
✓	Ensure that you include the Sender's details on you parcel. Couriers are often able to return undelivered parcels,  but only if they have a return address.	❌	Don't prematurely ask for a refund without first having allowed a Courier to check on the parcel location and delivery status.  Customers often demand refunds only to  received their deliveries a little later.